Crimes Against the Elderly

Monroe County Pharmaceutical Safe Disposal Program

Community Resources for Victims of Crime

Common Reporters

Common Reporters:

An individual who believes or has reason to believe that someone is an endangered adult and is a victim of neglect (including self-neglect), abuse, or exploitation is required by law to make a report to law enforcement, local Adult Protective Services, or through the Indiana APS Hotline at 800-992-6978. The report may be confidential.

Although everyone is required to report, some people who work closely with the elderly more commonly report suspect abuse.

Examples of people who commonly report:

• Family Members

• Care Custodians

• Health Practitioners

• County Welfare Departments

• Employees of Law Enforcement Agencies

• Employees of Fire Departments

• Employees of humane societies and animal control agencies

• Employees of environmental health and building code enforcement

• Clergy members

• Any other protective, public sector, mental health, private assistance, or advocacy agency, or person providing health services or social services to elders or dependent adults

• Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult.

Every APS case starts with the initial abuse report. In order for the APS program to respond, a report must be filed with the local APS Unit or through the state APS Hotline at 800-992-6978.